RSA launch World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a special reception at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin today.
This event brings together families and individuals who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries in road traffic collisions. Key speakers include presenter and author Meghann Scully, who tragically lost her brother in a collision almost 20 years ago, and Laura Rice, whose father Alan was killed in a collision three years ago.
The service was recorded and will be broadcast on RSA’s social channels on Sunday 17 November.
Since its inception in 1993, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims has been observed globally, playing a crucial role in honouring the millions who have been killed or seriously injured on the roads.
In Ireland, this day serves as a poignant reminder to improve road safety behaviours, acknowledges the critical contributions of emergency services, medical professionals, and An Garda Síochána, and provides a platform for people to share their stories and preserve the memory of their loved ones.
Tragically, 149 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year, though this is 16 fewer road deaths by the same date in 2023.
Attendees at the event are invited to remember those who have been injured or killed in a road traffic collision by adding a card to a tree of memory at the venue. The event also featured a special performance by Dublin Gospel Choir.
Meghann Scully, journalist, presenter and author said: “This is an opportunity for me to share my brother’s story and that of my family’s experience of loss and grief. We miss him dearly.
"No matter how dark the days are, and how lonely grieving can feel, know that there is always someone there to support you. Today is an opportunity to have that support and celebrate the life of a loved one lost and for those with serious injuries to know that there is support out there, you are not alone.”
Laura Rice spoke of her beloved father Alan, who was killed in a collision with a car that driving on the wrong side of the road in south Dublin in April 2021. ''Grief is a lonely journey, as unique and personal as a fingerprint. It sits within you, a constant companion, left in the place of losing someone you love in such a shocking way.
"My Dad, Alan Rice, was riding his motorcycle home when he was in a collision with a man carelessly driving. Each day I am reminded of his absence, shock protects you for only so long, and grief forms this new version of yourself that only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand.
"This event is a chance to remember and honour those we loved and miss dearly; our loved ones are the people behind the growing statistics.''
Sam Waide, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, said: “Today we pay respect to those who have been tragically injured or taken from families as a result of a road collision. Every story of loss is individual, and the journey of grief is very personal to each family.
"I particularly acknowledge the courage of those family members speaking today, and sharing their stories of loss or life changing, serious injuries. Coming together is important and today is an opportunity to unite in support of others.
"The RSA are wholly committed to making our roads safer and I ask all road users to use the day to reflect on their road behaviours.”
Locally, a remembrance service will take place in Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar at 1pm this Sunday, November 17.